Saudi Arabia
Data updated Jul 16, 2026
Overall Score
59.7
Good
Avg. Rent (1BR)
$602
-65% vs US Avg
Safety Index
76.1
COL Index
41.9
Level 3 β Reconsider Travel
Please check the latest official travel advisories for Saudi Arabia before planning your trip.
Saudi Arabia is not a retirement or FIRE destination. It is a work destination, and almost every American who moves there does so on a corporate or government contract, not by choice of lifestyle. If you are a 40-something engineer, defense contractor, healthcare professional, or oil-and-gas specialist who can land a tax-free salary package and employer-provided housing, the math can be compelling for a 2 to 5 year assignment. For anyone without a job offer already in hand, the conversation essentially ends there. The kingdom does not issue tourist visas for extended stays, has no passive-income residency visa comparable to what Portugal or Mexico offer, and the social environment, strict laws around alcohol, public behavior, and religious practice, will be a genuine quality-of-life adjustment that no savings rate compensates for.
The numbers look good on paper. At roughly $780 per month excluding rent and around $600 for a one-bedroom in a city center, total baseline costs for a single person land around $1,400 a month, which is about 35% cheaper than comparable spending in the US. Gasoline is heavily subsidized and costs a fraction of American prices. Food staples and utilities are also cheap. But those numbers describe a life lived entirely within the expat bubble, which in practice means compounds, Western supermarkets, and international restaurants that close the price gap considerably. The figure that gets glossed over is that alcohol is prohibited entirely, so that entire budget category is zero, which skews the cost-of-living math in ways that do not translate to your actual lifestyle. If your employer is not covering housing, which is standard on most packages, the savings story weakens fast.
The practical friction is specific and worth taking seriously. The Level 2 advisory reflects real regional instability, including past Houthi drone and missile attacks that have reached Saudi territory. Internet is fast by global standards, with fixed broadband download speeds around 196 Mbps, but it is filtered, and VPNs exist in a gray area legally. English proficiency among the general population is medium at best, which means navigating bureaucracy, healthcare appointments, and daily errands outside the compound requires patience or a local fixer. The healthcare index of 61.8 is adequate for routine care in Riyadh or Jeddah, but specialist care for anything complex often means medical travel. Getting a driving license as a foreign resident involves multiple bureaucratic steps. Women should be aware that while restrictions have loosened significantly since 2017, many social expectations remain in place.
On the US tax side, Saudi Arabia charges no personal income tax on individuals, which sounds ideal but does not reduce what you owe the IRS. Americans are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion lets you exclude up to $126,500 of foreign-earned income for 2024 if you meet the bona fide residence or physical presence test. Many expats on Saudi contracts structure their packages to take full advantage of this. There is no US-Saudi tax treaty covering individuals, so you cannot use foreign tax credits to offset Saudi taxes the way you might in treaty countries, though since Saudi imposes no income tax on individuals, that gap rarely matters in practice. Social Security obligations on self-employment income still apply. If your employer is a US company paying you abroad, confirm whether your contract is structured as foreign-source income, because the details affect what you can actually exclude.
Recommended Destinations in Saudi Arabia
Best for Retirees
Best for Geoarbitrage
Best for Remote Workers
- Capital
- Riyadh
- Official Language
- Arabic
- Time Zone
- UTC+03:00
- Region
- Middle East
- Population
- 34,813,867
- Healthcare Index
- 61.8
- Internet Speed
- 196.46 Mbps
View on Interactive Map
Explore data visually
ποΈ Top Cities in Saudi Arabia
Explore cost of living, walkability scores, and expat ratings for individual cities in Saudi Arabia.
CoL Index: 58
Est. Total: ~$1,700/mo
CoL Index: 44
Est. Total: ~$1,512/mo
CoL Index: 49
Est. Total: ~$1,250/mo
CoL Index: 45
Est. Total: ~$1,150/mo
CoL Index: 42
Est. Total: ~$583/mo
CoL Index: 46
Est. Total: ~$1,040/mo
CoL Index: 49
Est. Total: ~$912/mo
CoL Index: 52
Est. Total: ~$1,400/mo
CoL Index: 45
Est. Total: ~$1,100/mo
CoL Index: 45
Est. Total: ~$1,875/mo
CoL Index: 42
Est. Total: ~$909/mo
CoL Index: 42
Est. Total: ~$916/mo
CoL Index: 52
Est. Total: ~$1,450/mo
CoL Index: 42
Est. Total: ~$1,020/mo
CoL Index: 41
Est. Total: ~$950/mo
CoL Index: 42
Est. Total: ~$1,293/mo
CoL Index: 54
Est. Total: ~$990/mo
CoL Index: 42
Est. Total: ~$1,046/mo
CoL Index: 47
Est. Total: ~$1,180/mo
CoL Index: 43
Est. Total: ~$1,030/mo
How far does $2,000 go in Saudi Arabia?
With a monthly budget of $2,000, you can live comfortably in Saudi Arabia. After accounting for an average rent of $$602, you have approximately $1,398remaining for daily expenses.
Calculate your FIRE timeline with these costs βπ° Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means it's cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means rent is cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means groceries are cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means eating out is cheaper.
Cost Comparison Notes:
Summary of cost of living in Saudi Arabia: The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $2,848.7 (10,694.3ο·Ό), excluding rent. The estimated monthly costs for a single person are $779.8 (2,927.5ο·Ό), excluding rent.
π Grocery & Family Costs
Family Costs
Can I afford to live in Saudi Arabia?
Comfortable (1.0Γ): balanced baseline lifestyle. Adjusts day-to-day costs only β rent is unaffected.
Saudi Arabia
You could save
1,619/mo
Monthly Costs
Attractiveness Scores
Based on national averages. City-level costs may vary. Browse cities in Saudi Arabia β
βοΈ Healthcare System
Our Top Pick for Nomads: SafetyWing
Flexible, subscription-based health cover for remote workers in Saudi Arabia.
Get Covered with SafetyWing βLooking for more options? Check Ekta.
An estimation of the overall quality of the health care system. Higher is better.
Quality & Affordability:
Saudi Arabia provides free universal healthcare coverage through a national system, with services offered by various government agencies. The private sector also plays a growing role in healthcare provision.
Insurance Insights:
While public healthcare is free, private health insurance is available for those seeking additional services.
π Visa & Residency Pathways
π Visa Services
Ready to apply for a Saudi Arabia visa?
Get help with your application β tourist, long-stay, and residency visas processed online.
General Overview
Available Visa Types:
Process & Requirements:
Saudi Arabia's residency system is almost entirely tied to employment under the 'Kafala' (sponsorship) system, making it 'difficult' for anyone seeking to live there independently. The vast majority of expats hold an 'Iqama' (residence permit) that is sponsored and controlled by their employer. If the employment contract is terminated, the Iqama is cancelled, and the individual must leave the country. The process of obtaining the initial work visa and Iqama is managed by the employer and is typically a lengthy, bureaucratic process.
In a major shift, Saudi Arabia introduced the 'Premium Residency' program, often called the Saudi Green Card. This offers a path to residency without a sponsor but comes at a very high cost: a one-time fee of SAR 800,000 for permanent residency, or an annual fee of SAR 100,000 for a renewable one-year residency. This program is aimed at high-net-worth investors and executives and is not accessible to the average expat. There are no retirement, passive income, or digital nomad visas (URL: https://pr.gov.sa/).
Residency & Citizenship Notes:
The concept of permanent residency is effectively limited to the costly Premium Residency program, making it 'difficult' for others to achieve. The pathway to Saudi citizenship is also 'difficult' and exceptionally rare for foreigners. The law requires ten years of legal residence, fluency in Arabic, and a clean criminal record. However, even after meeting these criteria, the granting of citizenship is at the complete discretion of the government and is not a right.
Naturalization is almost never granted to non-Muslims. Furthermore, Saudi law strictly prohibits dual citizenship. A person who acquires Saudi citizenship must renounce all other nationalities. The combination of discretionary and rarely-granted approvals and the prohibition of dual citizenship makes naturalization a near impossibility for foreign residents (URL: https://www.moi.gov.sa/).
π Visa Matcher
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Detailed Visa Options
𧳠Tourist & Short-Stay Information
Extension Notes
The tourist e-Visa for Saudi Arabia cannot be extended. The maximum stay is 90 days, and visitors must depart the country before their visa expires.
Official Source: View Source
General Visa Notes
US citizens must obtain an e-Visa or a visa on arrival to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism. The e-Visa is a one-year, multiple-entry visa that allows a stay of up to 90 days per visit. A passport valid for at least six months is required.
Official Source: View Source
π΄ Retirement / Passive Income Visa
This country does not have a dedicated retirement visa, but the following notes provide guidance on pathways for retirees.
Income Notes
Saudi Arabia does not have a passive income retirement visa. It offers a Premium Residency Program based on paying a significant annual fee (SAR 100,000) or a one-time fee for permanent residency (SAR 800,000), not on demonstrating a monthly pension or passive income.
Official Source: https://pr.gov.sa/
Health Insurance Notes
Saudi Arabia does not have a passive income retirement visa. The Premium Residency Program, its closest equivalent, requires the applicant and their family to obtain health insurance in accordance with the regulations of the Kingdom.
Official Source: https://pr.gov.sa/about
π» Digital Nomad Visa
Income Notes
Saudi Arabia does not offer a digital nomad visa. The country's visa system is primarily focused on tourism, business travel, and employment with local companies. The tourist e-visa does not permit any form of work.
Official Source: View Source
π Investor Visa
Investment Details
Investment Options & Notes
There are two main products. The cheapest is a one-year, renewable residency that costs SAR 100,000 (approx. $26,600 USD) annually. The permanent residency option (SP2) requires a one-time payment of SAR 800,000. This is a fee, not an investment.
Official Source: View Source
Path to Citizenship
Citizenship Notes
Premium Residency provides a long-term stay but does not offer a prescribed path to citizenship. Naturalization in Saudi Arabia is exceptionally rare and granted on a discretionary basis by the King after many years of residence. Source: Saudi Arabian Citizenship Law.
π‘οΈ Safety & Stability
An estimation of overall safety level. Higher is better.
An estimation of the overall level of crime. Lower is better.
World Bank political stability estimate, rescaled to 0-100. Higher is better.
Safety Notes:
Crime Rate: Very Low. Strict laws ensure minimal crime, but petty theft may occur in markets.
Types of Crime: Shoplifting, traffic violations, and rare cyber fraud.
Kidnapping Risk: Extremely low; no recent reports of foreign nationals targeted.
π¦ Taxation & Finance
π¦ Tax Snapshot
FEIE Interaction
FTC Utility: none
Saudi Arabia imposes no personal income tax on individuals, so no foreign taxes are paid on earned income that could generate a Foreign Tax Credit. FEIE is the primary tool for US expats in Saudi Arabia to shelter Saudi-sourced earned income. FTC has no utility for income earned in Saudi Arabia.
Presence Day Count Notes
Physical presence test requires 330 full days outside the US in any 12-month period. Bona fide residence requires establishing genuine domicile in Saudi Arabia for an uninterrupted tax year. Many US expats in Saudi Arabia qualify under physical presence due to frequent travel requirements or fixed-term work assignments.
FBAR Trigger Notes
US expats in Saudi Arabia with Saudi bank accounts exceeding $10,000 aggregate at any point during the year must file FinCEN 114 (FBAR). Saudi riyal accounts at local banks such as Al Rajhi, Saudi National Bank, and Riyad Bank are covered. FATCA reporting applies via Form 8938 if thresholds are met.
401k/IRA Treatment
Pension Income
Saudi Arabia imposes no personal income tax on individuals. Pension income received by expats residing in Saudi Arabia is not subject to Saudi tax, regardless of source.
Not Taxed LocallySocial Security
No US-Saudi totalization or tax treaty exists. US Social Security benefits received by US expats in Saudi Arabia are not taxed by Saudi Arabia. The US may tax Social Security depending on total income under US rules.
Not Taxed LocallyRoth Distributions
No Saudi personal income tax applies. Roth distributions are not taxable in Saudi Arabia. US tax rules govern Roth treatment.
Not Taxed LocallyUS 401k/IRA Distributions
Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax on individuals. There is no US-Saudi Arabia tax treaty. US 401k and IRA distributions received by US expats residing in Saudi Arabia are not subject to Saudi tax. The US continues to tax its citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence.
Not Taxed LocallyCapital Gains Tax
Saudi nationals pay no personal income tax and no capital gains tax on personal investments. Non-resident capital gains from Saudi sources may be subject to withholding tax at 20% if attributable to a permanent establishment. Gains on disposal of shares in Saudi companies by non-residents are generally taxed at 20% under the income tax law applicable to non-Saudi persons.
Saudi Arabia imposes no personal capital gains tax on Saudi nationals. Foreign nationals and entities earning capital gains from Saudi sources are subject to the general income tax rate of 20% applicable to non-Saudi persons. Zakat (religious levy at 2.5% of net assets) applies to Saudi and GCC nationals in lieu of income tax.
Dividend Tax Rate
Dividends paid by Saudi companies to non-resident recipients are subject to 5% withholding tax. Dividends paid to Saudi national shareholders are not subject to income tax but the underlying entity pays Zakat. Dividends paid to non-Saudi resident shareholders (individuals or companies) are subject to 5% withholding. The rate may be reduced under applicable tax treaties.
exempt
Rate: 0.0%
Dividends received by Saudi national individuals - exempt from income tax; underlying entity subject to Zakat at 2.5% of net assets.
withholding
Rate: 5.0%
Dividends paid to non-resident recipients (individuals or companies) are subject to 5% withholding tax. Treaty rates may apply.
Tax Treaties Notes:
No US-Saudi Arabia tax treaty. No personal income tax.
Retiree Tax Benefits:
No taxes on foreign income. Residency requires investment or employment.
Cost Savings vs. U.S.:
Moderate costs outside expat compounds. Healthcare is subsidized.
Recommended services for Saudi Arabia
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Fidelity βRecommended Partner
IBKR βRecommended Partner
bordr βRecommended Partner
My Expat Taxes ββοΈ Climate & Environment
Our proprietary index measuring annual average PM2.5 concentration. Lower is better (0-5 is good).
Our proprietary index for drinking water quality and sanitation. Higher is better.
Seasonal Variations:
Saudi Arabia has a desert climate characterized by extremely hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is minimal and occurs mainly between November and April.
π Quality of Life
Cultural Amenities:
Museums & Cultural Institutions
Saudi Arabia is home to several museums, including the National Museum in Riyadh, showcasing the country's history and culture.
The King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh offers exhibits on Saudi Arabia's heritage.
Performing Arts
Saudi Arabia has recently opened up to public entertainment, with concerts, theater performances, and sporting events being held.
The King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh hosts various cultural events and performances.
Cultural Festivals
The Janadriyah Festival is an annual cultural heritage festival held in Riyadh, featuring traditional music, dance, and crafts.
The Riyadh Season is a series of entertainment events, including concerts, theater, and sports.
Culinary Culture
Saudi cuisine includes dishes like kabsa (spiced rice with meat), hummus, and falafel.
The country's cuisine reflects its Bedouin heritage and regional influences.
π Infrastructure & Connectivity
Our proprietary ranking of public transit accessibility and reliability.
Internet Reliability:
Saudi Arabia offers excellent internet infrastructure with high speeds and good reliability as part of Vision 2030 digital transformation.
Speed & Quality: Fixed broadband averages 130-140 Mbps with widespread fiber coverage. STC, Mobily, and Zain provide competitive high-speed services.
Availability: Excellent coverage in cities and good in most populated areas across the kingdom.
Cost: Moderate pricing at SAR 150-300 monthly for high-speed connections, competitive for the regional market.
Reliability for Remote Work: Very reliable with good uptime and customer support. Strong mobile networks provide backup. Riyadh and Jeddah have developing coworking scenes as part of economic diversification efforts.
Transportation Network:
Saudi Arabia has modern transportation infrastructure with significant recent investments in connectivity.
Roads: Excellent highway system connecting all major cities with high-quality maintenance.
Rail: Haramain High Speed Railway connects major cities, with plans for expansion.
Domestic Travel: Extensive domestic flight network connecting all regions, with comprehensive bus services.
Recommended services for Saudi Arabia
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Traveling Mailbox βRecommended Partner
US Global Mail βRecommended Partner
HideMy.Name βRecommended Partner
Veepn βFrequently Asked Questions about Saudi Arabia
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